Testimonial from Image Expert and Business Owner patricia

Patricia Pronstroller-Tolentino

Image Consultant and Stylist (Manila, Philippines)

“Clearly, there was only one place to go, and that is the Academy of Image Mastery because of Christina’s experience and reputation for excellence. Coupled with my heritage and experience, I bring the combined wisdom and knowledge of my mentors whenever I work with my clients.”

It was during a life-threatening condition that Patricia discovered her purpose-driven mission to inspire people to become the best version of themselves. Despite not knowing what image consulting entails, she had a clear vision and knew that her mission would be to touch people’s lives. Patricia’s story demonstrates a commitment to invest in the best education to become a professional image consultant. At 38, she took a leap of faith to start her new career as a full-time image consultant and has never been happier.

Patricia is a seasoned management consultant, professor, and image and branding coach with more than 20 years of experience in Talent Development, Organizational Development, and Quality Assurance specialising in leadership and career development.

IN 2017, Patricia received her diploma in Image Consulting from the Academy of Image Mastery in Singapore. She progressed to complete her Psychology of Style Masterclass & The Colour Master class with Style Core at AIM.

Her credentials and active industry contributions are impressive. She is a member of the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) and People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) where she is an Associate Fellow in People Management. She served as Internal Vice President of the Philippine Society for Talent Development (PSTD).

Patricia is a yellow belt certified in Six Sigma, certified trainer of Points of You®, and a part-time faculty at the University of Asia and the Pacific, Human Capital Development. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a pioneer HRBP graduate of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, UK.

I got very sick back in 2006, and while battling this life-threatening condition, I realized two important things. One was that I was in a profession that I love because it allowed me to inspire other people to become the best version of themselves. The second was that my capacity to reach and inspire corporate executives will always be limited by the company’s vision. Since then, I have taken on classes on the side that can help me become an Image Consultant. I did not even know what it was called back; then I just had a very clear picture of how I wanted to touch people’s lives. Finally, I retired at the age of 38 from corporate and took this brave leap of faith. I have never been happier.

I am a Management consultant helping organizations to develop brand clarity, value proposition, and direction. As an image coach, I work mostly with corporate organizations in different industry sectors – from finance, FMCG, health and wellness, pharmaceutical, and nutrition. I am also a professor at the University of Asia and the Pacific, Human Capital Development program.

This is the most expensive investment I have made in education. Growing up as a breadwinner very early in life, I know the value of money and hard work. I also know that making a career shift at the age of 38 to follow my passion requires preparation, lots of courage, excellent education and insightful mentors. Clearly, there was no better place to go and at the Academy of Image Mastery. Christina’s experience and reputation for excellence was a significant factor.

There was a lot, but I think one of the most memorable ones for me was how theories and models can be so many, but effective practice takes heart. The way the course was put together in AIM was a product of years of practice and education from many different backgrounds. The course very generously shared all the years of experience and knowledge that Cristina Ong was able to gather in the profession. Image Consulting is a gift. Every time I am in front of a client, I am excited to share that gift, helping people unbox the best versions of themselves. When I practice, I take with me the many years of wisdom of my heritage and the many years of experience of all my mentors.

The first was to have that shift in mindset. I used to be so laid back in approaching clients. I then realized that I was scared as I didn’t feel sufficiently qualified to take them on. Being a graduate of AIM gave me the confidence that I learned from the best. Next was to transform my weaknesses into my strengths. I already knew that most image consultants in my country are ex-models. Not many have much corporate experience. I thought this was my set back but I was able to turn it into my strength. I positioned myself as a management consultant and image coach. Lastly, I kept my personal passions at the heart of my work. Despite my family responsibilities as a wife and mother, I stayed connected with other women of power who continue to inspire me to enjoy my personal passion. As an image consultant, I am a better wife and mother because I am a happier and more fulfilled woman.

As a person, it increased my self-awareness of how people see me and what my potentials are. It feels great being recognized by influential individuals. As a professional, it made me more confident in my consulting business. I have been practicing for 4 years as an Image Consultant before I gathered enough resources and courage to take the course at AIM. It has also increased my credibility with my clients because they know that I value education and that I learn only from the best. I hope to take AIM’s Advanced Practitioner course someday. Before then, I plan to complete my international certification from AICI.

I doubled the number of my clients in both the private and public sectors. I never stopped learning. Ever since, I am motivated to make sure to invest in continuous education.

Firstly, from my experience, it is clearly the best that Asia has to offer. Secondly, the course combines and provides the right balance of theory and practice. Thirdly, AIM courses offer students years of knowledge and wisdom from two generations of amazing AICI Certified Image Masters.

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